Tar Heel fans led the boos from the Georgia Dome crowd every time coach Mike Krzyzew­ski and Duke players took the court — with many anticipating the two conference powers would meet in today's championship game. North Carolina closed the regular season with a home win over Duke.

"You have to be careful what you wish for," Scheyer said. "Obviously, we'd like another shot at Carolina. … It will be tough against Florida State."

Duke (27-6) led 44-41 before Gerald Henderson's 3-pointer with 8:53 started the 12-2 run. Scheyer and David McClure each had back-to-back baskets in the run, which ended with Duke leading 56-43 with 5:35 remaining.

Eric Hayes answered with four straight points for Maryland (20-13), but he missed a 3-pointer with two minutes left after the Terrapins made it 57-50.